Taxi Driver Online

It would appear that the British Airports Authority are trying to stipulate dress code for Taxi drivers who are allowed to ply for hire at their seven Airports.

They say they are in Talks with Taxi unions but did you know about this?

The seven Airports are Heathrow, Gatwick, Standstead, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Southampton.

If you and your colleagues feel strongly about having a dress code condition imposed on your Airport permit then it might be advisible to have a word with the union reps who are negotiating on your behalf? If you think the union reps are not up to the job or they may sell you down the river, then form your own Airport group and do your own negotiating.
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Sunday Mirror

September 3, 2006 Sunday

HEADLINE: SHABBY CABBIES

SCRUFFY airport taxi drivers are being told to smarten up.

The British Airports Authority (BAA) is in talks with taxi unions to work out a dress code for drivers within six months at its seven airports.

Eddie Syme, of Heathrow Airport Licensed Taxis (HALT), said: "In hot places such as Spain they all have a shirt, tie and trousers. Those who don't look the part must adjust or lose trade."
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We the GMBPDB have a recognition agreement with Checker Cars stansted there is a dress code for drivers ive heard no complaints about it.Quite obviously health and safety takes precedence at all times.
At heathrow we have a recognition agreement with TriStar chauffeur company.they too have a dress code and supply a uniform but in heatwaves it is flexible.If your current reps are unsuccesfull in obtaining flexibility contact us.
Organise educate agitate.

One final point we NEVER negotiate on anyones behalf but alongside them no agreement is EVER signed without a BALLOT of the membership at that location the members take ALL decisions we provide legal back up and industrial advice.The membership are the UNION this is an unequivocable undertaking.

The drivers at Gatwick already wear collar and tie.

That said, the prices they charge they bloody well should.

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IDFIMH

When i'm on the road I always wear a shirt and tie, it presents a good image to the customer.

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stressed controller!!!

A very valid point, but I bet he isn't Mr Popular at Heathrow today.

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IDFIMH

round my way they seem to compete with one another as to who looks the scruffiest but i think taxi drivers should not be scruffy but smart casual a shirt and tie doesn't always work well and the tie is a hinderance when loading luggage and shopping

Here in Renfrewshire which includes Glasgow Airport the Council Gestapo enforce a strict dress code which has resulted in drivers being put off the road with verbal & written warnings for such trivialities as the 'wrong' colour of shoes or the lack of a tie

Drivers' Dress Code

Home > Services > Business > Licensing > Taxi and Private Hire Licences

Renfrewshire Council operates a strict dress code for licensed taxi and private hire car drivers. With effect from 1 January 1999 all drivers must meet the following dress code:

Male Drivers

plain white or navy blue shirt
plain navy blue tie
navy blue or black trousers
black dress shoes


Female Drivers

plain white or navy blue shirt or blouse
navy blue or black skirt or trousers
black dress shoes


The following items of clothing must never be worn:
trainers
baseball caps
tracksuits
denims
casual clothing
T-shirts

For further information please contact us by telephone on 0141 840 3272 or email us at licensing.cs@renfrewshire.gov.uk

http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/wps/port ... dress-code

These conditions are probably unlawful. There is nothing in the 1982 act, which gives the council the power to set a dress code. The section they used is section 20 but unless an SI has been issued relating to driver dress code or one which gives them sweeping powers then section 20 does nothing for them whatsoever.

I'm surprised you guys let them get away this.

I phoned licensing and spoke to both the licensing officer and the enforcement officer and quite frankly neither of them have a clue about the legalities of the condition or from what section it was applied?

It's obvious to me which section they used but it is also obvious to me that it is probably unlawful. If you let these councillors get away with doing what they want then they will continue to set unlawful conditions with impunity.

You want to write to the council and ask for the timetable of events leading up to this decision and the minutes and reports of every meeting that took place. You can do that by emailing them under the freedom of information act but seeing as this information is a matter of public record the FOI should not be necessary.

You should also contact your Union and ask them to investigate the legality of such a condition.

Regards

JD

Bang on JD if the drivers sign up we will muller this lot!

Of course, the airport authority may take drivers turning up for passengers as complete tramps in a rather different manner and make alternative arrangements by way of contracts with different operators.


CC

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Judging by the latest posts it might be a good idea to reread this

Unlawful maybe, sensible yes.
What is wrong with looking smart?, if you worked in a office, you would have to wear a shirt and tie.
Anything to improve our image in the eyes of the public can only be a good thing.

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stressed controller!!!

JD is obviously legally correct.

But, from what I am aware of, and from the way the business (in particular contract work) is going, the customer wants reasonably dressed drivers.

Whilst I would suggest a collar and tie is perhaps too much for most of us (I suppose it depends upon your clientele), is a poloshirt, clean shoes and clothing which could be considered workwear, not beyond the imagination?

CC

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

The whole point of conditions is whether or not they are legal? I never commented on the desires of a council to impose their preferred dress code on drivers? I can only apply my mind to what might or might not be legal and I think that is the right approach to all licensing conditions.

Regards

JD